top of page

How To Prepare for Ketamine treatment: Insights from a West Hollywood Ketamine Assisted Therapist

Writer's picture: Michael PezzulloMichael Pezzullo

How To Prepare for Ketamine treatment: Insights from a Ketamine Assisted Therapist in West Hollywood


Preparation is one of the most critical phases of ketamine-assisted therapy. Unfortunately, it is often the phase that is most frequently overlooked. Bypassing the preparation phase can almost always lead to negative outcomes. As a trained ketamine-assisted psychotherapist in West Hollywood, here are some clear steps you can take to adequately prepare for this treatment.


Determine the Route of Administration

The first step is determining the route of administration. There are four main options available. It’s essential to work closely with both your therapist and your doctor to determine which route is right for you. The subsequent preparation will depend heavily on this decision. For instance, the preparation needed for an oral lozenge differs significantly from that for intravenous ketamine. Therefore, I suggest choosing the route of administration first before moving on to the next steps. After that, you’ll need to find a prescriber or facility; I recommend Golden Afternoon.


Plan Your Treatment Day

Next, plan your treatment day. You will need to refrain from solid foods for at least four hours prior to treatment and from liquids for at least two hours. Arrange for a ride to and from the treatment facility, especially if you are receiving therapy at a clinic or doctor's office. After the treatment, you may experience some disorientation for a few hours, so I recommend planning a quiet evening at home. You definitely do not want to jump back into work or any stressful activities right after the treatment. For this reason, many people choose to schedule their sessions for late afternoon or evening. Prior to treatment, engage in activities that help you feel grounded and calm; your mindset will significantly influence your experience.


Effects & Side Effects

With any medication, there are effects you want and side effects you don’t. With ketamine, you can expect to feel a sense of detachment from your body, a loss of conscious awareness of time and space, and entry into a dream-like state. However, nausea is a common side effect, which is why it’s crucial to follow pre-treatment instructions regarding food. Ensure that your doctor can provide anti-nausea medication if needed; this is standard practice. Another common side effect is disorientation, which can diminish quickly for some individuals but may linger longer for others. You'll need to observe how the medicine affects you after your first treatment, and you can always discuss this with your doctor to adjust your dosage as needed.


Suspend Judgement

There is a lot of mystique surrounding what can emerge during ketamine treatment. Most people have a vague understanding that ketamine has a psychedelic component, which may elicit dream-like images and scenes from the unconscious mind. While no one can predict the exact content you will encounter, it's important to approach the experience with neutrality and objectivity, observing the material without expecting to feel blissful. Remember, all information is valuable; even troubling memories can provide significant insights for future therapy. Also, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal for not much material to surface during a session.


Bad Trips

While unpleasant experiences are less common, they can occur. It’s best to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Consider what you would do if you experience a "bad trip" or if you encounter unpleasant side effects from ketamine. The goal is not to conjure unnecessary fear, but to ensure you are well-prepared. Take the time to think through potential pitfalls and how comfortable you are with letting go of control, suspending judgment, and remaining curious.


Worst Case Scenarios

Ketamine is generally a very safe medication, but there are some risks. Establish emergency protocols beforehand. If you are receiving treatment in a medical facility, you will be connected to a heart monitor and monitored by nurses throughout the procedure, so you won’t need to worry. If you are undergoing at-home oral ketamine treatment, make sure you have your own protocol in place: check your blood pressure beforehand to ensure it’s within a safe range, and have an emergency contact on standby, just in case.


Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist in West Hollywood

Don’t rush the process. If you’ve been feeling depressed or experiencing PTSD symptoms for a while, you may feel an urgent need for relief—and you will find it. However, rushing the process can sabotage the relief you seek. Take the time to approach ketamine-assisted therapy thoughtfully and carefully. You’re investing valuable time and money, and you want to use both resources wisely. Most importantly, have a therapist on board. You will want to process whatever comes up during your ketamine therapy ideally within 24 hours of your session. Fortunately, there are many resources for ketamine work available in West Hollywood and Los Angeles. If you need assistance with ketamine therapy, feel free to contact me for a consultation. You can also learn more about my ketamine-assisted psychotherapy practice here.

2 views0 comments

Comments


Michael Pezzullo

  • Michael Pezzullo LMFT Instagram
  • Michael Pezzullo LMFT
  • Michael Pezzullo LMFT LinkedIn
  • Michael Pezzullo LMFT TikTok

8271 Melrose Ave.

Suite 105

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Telehealth sessions available in CA & FL

bottom of page